Night riders gear up for unique test.

xroadies

Wednesday, 27th February 2008

MotoGP field to get first taste of floodlights in race trim.

MotoGP

stars will this week get a taste of what they can expect at next month's championship opener, as they embark on a two-day test with a difference at the Losail circuit in Qatar.

While all know the venue well, this will be the first time most of them have tackled it at night, and the first time for all on full race-prepped machines, as they explore conditions similar to those they will find at the first ever MotoGP night race, the Commercialbank

Grand Prix

of Qatar, on Sunday 9 March.

Five riders - Loris Capirossi, Marco Melandri, Anthony West, Alex de Angelis and British newcomer James Toseland, who makes his MotoGP debut in Qatar - tested the floodlighting on the first three corners of the circuit last November, but did so riding road bikes rather than their usual race mounts. The verdict then was good, but all admitted that the real test will come when the test starts on Thursday evening.


"It's going to be so exciting to race under floodlights," MotoGP veteran Loris Capirossi admitted

after the November test. "The difference from when we first tested here at night [in 2006] is amazing. Back then, I wasn't too sure what was possible, but the lighting is perfect out there!

"There's hardly any difference between day and night riding in these conditions and, of course, it's going to be more exciting to race at night. There's no problems with shadows or reflections, and I'm very happy with this.

"We reached nearly 300km/h on [the road] bikes, so I don't think there will be too much difference to come here on a MotoGP machine. We could see the warning flags and braking markers and, even when they tested the rare possibility of a power cut, there was no problem because of the back-up systems."

Team technicians will also be tested, as they get the opportunity to discover what affect night-time desert temperatures will have on engines and, more especially, tyres. The 125cc and 250cc riders will also complete two nights of testing, starting on Saturday.

Rizla Suzuki lights up for night test.

Tuesday, 26th February 2008

After-dark running to get teams ready for season-opener.

The Rizla Suzuki

MotoGP

team will takes its first laps under floodlights when joins this week's IRTA test at the Losail circuit in Qatar in preparation for the category's inaugural night race.

The 5.38km layout will be illuminated by thousands of high-tech bulbs as Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen take the track for the last test before the start of the 2008 world championship at the same venue next month.

The Italian has already experienced riding at the desert circuit under floodlights, as he was one of the MotoGP stars chosen to test out the feasibility of racing at night when he tested the new system last year on Suzuki road bike, but team-mate Vermeulen will be getting his first taste of the unique conditions.

Rizla Suzuki MotoGP still has some important work to conduct during the two-day test to ready itself for the first race a week later, and will be hoping that Capirossi and Vermeulen will get up to speed and adapt to the totally new conditions quickly.

"It is a very exciting thing to be riding the bike at night, but that will also present us with some extra problems that we will need to overcome as well, like where to put the lights on the bike and managing to stay awake!” the Australian joked, "We still have a lot to do at this test, as we are still looking for the best set-up for this year's bike. We didn't get as much dry track time as we wanted at the last test in Jerez, so we need two good 'days' at Qatar to get the best out of the bike."

Capirossi agreed that Losail will provide a lot of new set-up questions for both the crews and for tyre supplier Bridgestone, as they try to come to terms with the colder night-time temperatures that the Qatar desert will bring.

“I tested in Qatar on a Suzuki GSX-R last year under the lights, and the track was very good," he reflected, "It was very bright and almost like daylight - I could even use a dark visor! But [racing in the dark] is going to be a new thing for all of us and I am really looking forward to riding my GSV-R there at night.

Jerez MotoGP test times - x roadies .

[More Pictures]

Jerez MotoGP test times - Monday.

Monday, 18th February 2008

Full lap times from the third and final day of the official MotoGP test at Jerez in Spain.

Following Sunday's rain, the weather fortunately improved on Monday - where, as on day one, Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden set the pace with the aid of a Michelin qualifying tyre.

LCR Honda's Randy de Puniet again set the fastest lap time on race tyres (see separate story). Only Dani Pedrosa and John Hopkins, both riding injured, set their best lap time with race tyres.

Earlier in the day, James Toseland was taken to the Clinica Mobile to have an ankle examined

after a nasty highside. The Briton was fortunately able to get back out on track and went on to set the sixth fastest time.

Toseland's Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Colin Edwards was the only person not to set a lap time during today's cool track conditions.

The second and final official pre-season test will take place at Qatar, under floodlights, on February 28-29.




1. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 38.848 secs
2. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 39.252 secs
3. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Scot Team (M) 1min 39.313 secs
4. Randy de Puniet FRA LCR Honda MotoGP (M) 1min 39.351 secs
5. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 39.568 secs
6. James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 39.727 secs
7. Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 39.845 secs
8. Alex de Angelis RSM San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 39.932 secs
9. Shinya Nakano JPN San Carlo Honda Gresini (B) 1min 40.333 secs
10. Loris Capirossi ITA Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 40.442 secs
11. Chris Vermeulen AUS Rizla Suzuki MotoGP (B) 1min 40.576 secs
12. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 41.026 secs
13. Sylvain Guintoli FRA Alice Team (B) 1min 41.177 secs
14. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 41.292 secs
15. Toni Elias SPA Alice Team (B) 1min 41.311 secs
16. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 41.699 secs
17. Nicola Canepa ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 42.160 secs
18. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 42.970 secs
19. Olivier Jacque FRA Kawasaki Test Rider (B) 1min 43.496 secs
20. Vittoriano Guareschi ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 45.597 secs

Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min no time secs


Fastest day two time:
Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro (B) 1min 49.263secs (wet)

Fastest day one time:
Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda (M) 1min 39.200secs (Qualifying tyre)

November 2007 Jerez test:
29/11 /2007: Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda (M) 1min 38.562secs (qualifying tyre with 2007 RC212V)


2007 Spanish Grand Prix - 25/03/2007:
Pole position: Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda (M) 1min 39.402secs

Fastest lap by manufacturer:
Yamaha: Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha (M) 1min 40.905secs
Suzuki: John Hopkins USA Rizla Suzuki (B) 1min 40.938secs
Honda: Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda (M) 1min 41.014secs
Ducati: Casey Stoner AUS Ducati Marlboro (B) 1min 41.443secs
Kawasaki: Randy de Puniet FRA Kawasaki Racing (B) 1min 41.967secs
KR212V: Kenny Roberts Jr USA Team Roberts (M) 1min 42.024secs

Hayden again as Jerez concludes.

[More Pictures]

Hayden again as Jerez concludes.

Monday, 18th February 2008

If Nicky Hayden's winter testing form is anything to go by then the 2006 MotoGP world champion will surely be a regular pole position contender with his Michelin qualifying tyres this season.

Despite well documented concerns over race pace, the Repsol

Honda

rider has frequently been the man to beat on the one-lap rubber - which he used to set the fastest lap time on two out of the three days at Jerez.

Unfortunately for the American, rain on Sunday ended his hopes of a perfect three-day sweep - and the chance of winning a

BMW

sports car, which instead went to reigning world champion Casey Stoner after a brilliant wet weather ride during the 40-minute shootout.

Nevertheless, Hayden and his spring-valve RC212V enjoyed a solid 0.4secs advantage over nearest rival Jorge Lorenzo by the end of Monday's track action. Hayden's top time, of 1min 38.848secs, was almost 0.4secs faster than his Monday qualifying best - but still fell short of the 1min 38.562secs team-mate Dani Pedrosa recorded during testing at the end of 2007.

Hayden had been second fastest at that November test, once again with a lap time of 1min 38.348secs! However, while it may be tempting for some to suggest that no improvement has therefore been made, track conditions were far from perfect on Monday - morning rain being followed by continued wind and cool temperatures, influencing the potential for fast laps.

But there is no denying that Hayden made a massive leap in performance with qualifying tyres - having trimmed a huge 2.362secs from his best race tyre lap of the day with the soft rubber! Hayden has previously suggested that qualifying tyres help cure Honda's biggest problem - acceleration - due to the increased corner speed.

"It's definitely been a really positive and productive three days," declared Hayden on Monday evening. "We had high hopes coming here because when we tested here in November the bike worked pretty good and Michelin tyres normally work good at Jerez, so this is a good track for us, also there's no big long straightaways.

"The wind here has made it tough, the conditions haven't been easy, but I do feel more comfortable on this year's bike in the wind. The team really worked hard and made some good moves and good decisions. We didn't make a lot of big changes, we just got closer to race settings, tried a couple of qualifiers and did a 25 lap run.

"The chassis seems to be working good and also the tyres are working good. We tried a few different tyre options, and we're still checking data between the 16 and 16.5 rears.

"But the show hasn't started yet, we'll find out what everybody's really got and what we're in for when we get to Qatar but we leave here pretty happy. At the Qatar tests we'll see how it is under the lights and dial everything in for the first race," Nicky concluded.

Hayden was ranked a more modest fifth fastest on race tyres, with LCR Honda's Randy de Puniet once again outperforming the factory riders on multi-lap rubber.

The Frenchman was also the quickest rider with race tyres on Monday, and just edged out Stoner (who escaped unharmed from a final day fall) and impressive class rookie Andrea Dovizioso to retain the honour on day three.

Kawasaki's injured representative John Hopkins rode just 18 laps of the track, limiting his work to the bare essentials, while another absentee from yesterday's 40 minute qualifying session, Dani Pedrosa, also took things easy at his home circuit.

Of the regular

MotoGP

field, only Toseland's Yamaha Tech 3 team-mate Colin Edwards elected against testing on day three after having completed his schedule on Sunday.

The final pre-season test will take place, under floodlights, at Qatar from February 28-29.

"Stoner wins BMW." - x roadies

[More Pictures]

Stoner wins BMW.

Sunday, 17th February 2008

The special 40-minute 'qualifying' session held on Sunday at Jerez saw an awesome performance by world champion Casey Stoner, as the Ducati Marlboro collected his second brand new BMW in four months.

Stoner won his first BMW sports car at the 2007 Valencia season finale, when he wrapped up the best qualifier of the season award, and the Australian picked up where he left off at a wet Jerez.

Casey instantly stamped his authority on the slowly drying track, literally overtaking title rival Valentino Rossi in the early stages before pulling a huge 3.2secs clear of the competition after just five laps.

Stoner then sat calmly in the pits, with his arms crossed, to see if anyone could get near his mark. They couldn't, but Stoner returned to the track for the final five minutes just in case, by which time his lead was still 1.5secs, now over countryman Anthony West.

The closing stages saw Nicky Hayden, and then Rossi, emerge as best of the rest behind Stoner - but the seven-times world champion, riding with Bridgestone tyres in the wet for the first time today, was left 1.3secs behind Stoner's early lap.

Honda rider Hayden 0.2secs further back as the top Michelin rider, while West was bumped back to fourth for Kawasaki.

Top rookie was JiR Scot Team's Andrea Dovizioso, two seconds behind Stoner, while Honda Gresini's Shinya Nakano, Rizla Suzuki's Loris Capirossi, LCR Honda's Randy de Puniet, Alice Team's Sylvain Guintoli and Stoner's team-mate Marco Melandri completed the top ten.

Melandri, who fell this morning, was 2.9secs slower than a smiling Stoner, who received a round of applause when he returned to the Ducati pits - before being presented with his new Z4 M Roadster.

Injured riders John Hopkins and Dani Pedrosa chose not to risk further damage and sat out the session.

'Normal' testing will resume at 3.15pm local time and continue until the track closes at 6.00pm. The Jerez test concludes on Monday.


BMW Award:

1. Stoner
2. Rossi
3. Hayden
4. West
5. Dovizioso
6. Nakano
7. Capirossi
8. de Puniet
9. Guintoli
10. Melandri
11. de Angelis
12. Toseland
13. Vermeulen
14. Edwards
15. Jacque
16. Lorenzo
17. Guareschi
18. Canepa
19. Elias

"Rossi: I'm quite excited!"- x roadies

[More Pictures] Rossi: I'm quite excited! Monday, 18th February 2008 "I have a good rhythm and I am having a lot of fun riding the bike. I'm quite excited now about the start of the season!" - Valentino Rossi. There was no headline grabbing end to the official Jerez test for Valentino Rossi - who took fifth overall on a qualifying tyre and fourth with a race tyre - but the Italian says he's having fun and feeling 'excited' about the season ahead. After a late start due to a damp track, Rossi spent most of the final day refining set-up and tyre testing with Bridgestone, although the tricky track conditions hampered progress somewhat. "At the end of today it was quite cold which made things difficult, and generally the conditions have made our job harder for the whole three days," began Rossi. "Despite this I think we've done some good work; I have a good rhythm and I am having a lot of fun riding the bike. I'm quite excited now about the start of the season! "We have things to work on, especially our speed in the exit of the corner, which was worse today because we had less grip on the damp track. Overall though it's been good, and I think we've learnt a lot both about the bike and the Bridgestones, plus I have been quite fast both with the qualifier and the race tyres." Towards the end of the day the Italian, like most of his competitors, tried a qualifying tyre and it was with this that he completed his best lap of the three days, a time of 1min 39.568secs. That made him the top Bridgestone rider on Monday, although he was still 0.720secs slower than Repsol Honda's Nicky Hayden. However, Rossi wasn't troubled by that deficit. "I didn't use the qualifier I like best here, so I am confident that when we use it in Qatar we can be faster," he revealed. Just one pre-season test now remains, at Qatar in ten days time, where the field will face two days of night testing in preparation for the season opener on March 9. "Now there's just one test left, which will be in the dark and therefore something quite strange!" said The Doctor. "We will focus on our final days of preparation and be ready for the first race."

[More Pictures]

Rossi: Better bike, better rider.

Tuesday, 5th February 2008

"Last time we worked just on the tyres. Now we have clear ideas so we've started working on the bike..." - Valentino Rossi.

By Peter McLaren

Valentino Rossi

had a simple explanation for his scorching day one pace at Sepang; his bike is better than at the last test - and so is he!

With Fiat Yamaha not attending the Phillip Island outing, Rossi's only previous track appearance of 2008 was also at Sepang - at the end of January - when he had been just sixth fastest, over one-second behind

Nicky Haydenwhen both were on qualifying tyres.

But Rossi - sharing the track with just eight other riders - ramped up the pace quickly on his February return, setting an impressive 2mins 1.444secs on race tyres before punching out a stunning 2mins 0.300secs - the best lap seen at Sepang this winter and 1.5secs under Dani Pedrosa's 2007 pole time - with a late qualifying tyre attack.

Although Rossi's best race-tyre lap was also significantly faster than he'd recorded at the January test, he still needs to find a further 0.48secs to reach the best race-tyre lap of the winter, a 2mins 0.964secs set by world champion Casey Stoner.

With Stoner's

Ducati

team sitting out this week's test, and Pedrosa - the 2007 world championship runner-up - sidelined by injury, Rossi will never know what two of his closest rivals would have been capable of.

Nevertheless, Rossi revealed that Tuesday marked the first time he'd starting adjusting the M1 around his new-for-2008

Bridgestone tyres - and that he was also riding better than at the first test.

"Today was a good day of work," declared Rossi, whose best race-tyre lap was half a second clear of Hayden. "We started well this morning and made a good step this afternoon. The biggest improvement was found by working on the front tyre. We fixed a lot of vibration which had given me a problem at the first test, so we were able to go very fast on the race tyre.

MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA

MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA In 1955, the Indian government needed sturdy and reliable motorcycles for its Army and police to patrol the rugged border highways. The first batch of 350cc Bullet from the Royal Enfield Company of UK were received and assembled at Chennai. The four stroke engine of the motorcycles is fuel efficient and is the main reason for the growth of motorcycle segment In India. The motorcycle market share is about 81.5% of the total two wheeler market in India. Three-fourths of the total exports in the two wheeler automobile industry are made in the motorcycle segment. Exports are made mainly to South East Asian and SAARC nations. * Models Awaited | * Latest Launch Models Bajaj Motors Hero Honda Kinetic Motors › Bajaj Avenger › Hero Honda Achiever › Kinetic Aquila › Bajaj CT 100 › Hero Honda CD Dawn › Kinetic Boss › Bajaj Discover › Hero Honda CD Deluxe › Kinetic Challenger › Bajaj Platina › Hero Honda Glamour › Kinetic Comet › Bajaj Pulsar DTSi › Hero Honda Karizma * › Kinetic GF › Bajaj Pulsar 200CC* › Hero Honda Passion Plus › Kinetic Stryker › Bajaj Wind 125 › Hero Honda Splendor › Kinetic Velocity › Bajaj XCD › Hero Honda Splendor NXG* - › Sonic DTSi › Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme* - LML ROYAL ENFIELD TVS MOTORS › LML Adreno FX › Bullet 350 › TVS Apache RTR* › LML Beamer › Bullet 500 › TVS Centra › LML Energy FX › Bullet Electra › TVS Fiero › LML Freedom › Bullet Machismo › TVS Star › LML Graptor › Bullet Machismo 500* › TVS Victor - › Thunderbird › TVS Taurus Fiero F3* - - › TVS Flame HMSIL SUZUKI MOTORS YAMAHA MOTORS › Honda Shine › Suzuki Access 125 › Yamaha Crux › Honda Unicorn › Suzuki Heat › Yamaha Enticer - › Suzuki Zeus › Yamaha Gladiator - - › Yamaha Libero G5 - - › Yamaha Gladiator Type JA* - - › Yamaha Alba 106* › Yamaha YZF R1* › Yamaha MT 01*

BROWSE TWO WHEELERS BY BRAND
Bajaj Auto Ltd.	Kinetic Motor Co. Ltd.	Suzuki Motor Corporation
Electrotherm India Ltd	LML India Ltd.	TVS Motor Co.
Hero Honda Motors Ltd.	Monto Motors	Yamaha Motor India Pvt.Ltd.
HMSIL	Royal Enfield Motors India Ltd.

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Bajaj Auto Ltd.

Bajaj Auto Limited is one of the pioneering companies in the two wheeler industry. Bajaj Auto has a vast network of about 1500 service centers and 500 dealers all over India. It has 3 manufacturing plants located at Akurdi, Waluj and Chakan in Maharashtra. The company's technology partner is Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Japan. The company exports to ASEAN region, South America and Africa.

BAJAJ MOTORCYCLES
MODEL		CAPACITY
Bajaj Avenger		200 CC
Bajaj Discover Bajaj Discover DTSi		124.52 CC
Bajaj Pulsar DTSi Pulsar 180 DTS-i UG Pulsar 200 Cc Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi		180 CC 200 CC 220 CC
Bajaj XCD		125 CC

4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

4 Stroke Two-wheelers

due to updated!

It is being increasingly realized that the two-wheeler industry is moving towards the production of two-wheelers with four-stroke engines. The Honda Motor Company of Japan has voluntarily stopped the production of two stroke bikes in order to cut down on pollution. In India too, with emission norms getting stricter by the day, there is a possibility that the government might ban two stroke machines. If you are thinking of buying a two-wheeler, it is advisable to go in for a four-stroke machine, of which a whole range exists in the Indian market.

›› Four Stroke, Geared scooters

1. TVS Spectra Aesthetics fused with Attitude. That's one of the many definitions for the TVS Spectra. It's 8 BHP engine is built to inspire just that feeling in you, once you've got it started. Enthralling acceleration, easy handling and extreme rider comfort come as standard pleasures on this 4 stroke, 4-hand geared scooter.

2. Bajaj Legend - The Bajaj Legend's advanced 4-stroke engine delivers instantaneous power at your fingertips. It has The Bajaj Legend's advanced 4-stroke engine delivers instantaneous power at your fingertips. Electronically managed engine called TRICS - Throttle Regulated Ignition Control System for optimum engine performance. In city riding conditions, Bajaj Legend gives you more than 60 kilometers per litre. The four-stroke technology with TRICS uses minimum fuel for maximum output.

›› Four Stroke bikes

Hero Honda
There are four models based on the same 97.2 cc displacement engine developing 7 (BHP) at 8000 rpm (except Splendor that produces 7.2 BHP at 8500 rpm) and producing a torque of between 0.69 and 0.74 kg-M at 6000 rpm at a compression ratio of 9. They are CD 100, CD 100 SS, Sleek and Splendor. Chassis is T-bone type for all models except the Splendor, which has a dual cradle tubular chassis.

Hero Honda CBZ - this is the latest offering from Hero Honda. It has a 156.6 cc, four-stroke single cylinder engine developing 1.24 M-kg of torque at 6500 rpm. It boasts of a top speed of over 110 kph and a zero to 60 acceleration in 5 seconds.

›› Bajaj

Bajaj Caliber - with an international style, attractive instrument consoles with Speedometer, Electronic Tachometer and Fuel Gauge the Caliber is a great bike to ride. It has a 111.6cc, 4-stroke engine and gives a mileage of 65 kmpl in actual riding conditions coupled with a 14.8 litre fuel tank that ensures longer duration between refills. It is also environment friendly, meets emission norms for the year 2000.

Bajaj 4S Champion - this uses India's first Radical Aluminium Combustion Engine. This combination also ensures minimal clearance between moving parts. It has low engine noise and wear & tear plus better engine performance and better fuel efficiency. The longer front suspension travel coupled with the 5-step adjustable rear shock absorbers make for the most comfortable ride on any terrain.

4 StrokeYamaha YBX 125 - it is far ahead in power than the four strokes from Hero Honda and Bajaj. It develops 11 PS at 8500 rpm and a torque of 1.06 kg-M at 6500 rpm. The four gears are operated through a wet multi-disc clutch.

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Classification

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Classification

All models currently available in the market fall in one of the categories:

1. Mopeds and Mokicks - Such as Luna TVS 50, Avanti Garelli, Hero Majestic, Toro Jazz etc. These are the most basic, cheapest and simplest available in the country today. All of them are powered by a 50 cc two stroke engine, give between 55 - 70 kms per litre and cost below Rs. 20,000. They are recommended for children in the age group 16-18 who are just moving up from the bicycle. These are also recommended for people in their 60s and above, who do not travel more than 2-3 kms per trip. These are light in weight (@55kg), have a cruising speed of 40-45 kph, easy to ride and have no gears. All bikes in this category have step-thru’ frame and ladies wearing saris or long dresses can also ride them comfortably.

2. Step thru’s - Bikes such as Hero Honda Street, Kinetic K-4 100, Bajaj M 80, Hero Puch etc. Bikes in this category range in price from Rs. 15,000 upward to Rs. 40,000 and more. though the bikes in this category are essentially intended for city-riding, one can if necessary, go on longer out of city trips provided the roads are good and the rider is physically fit. As to the fuel average, the Bajaj M-80 gives 55 km per litre, in normal city riding. All these bikes give excellent value for money, except that none of them have a lockable dicky for carrying things.

3. Scooterettes or mini - Scooters such as TVS Scooty, Hero Winner, Bajaj Sunny Zip and Bajaj SPIRIT, and LML scooterettes fall in this category. All the bikes in this category are powered by two stroke engines of size between 60 and 70 cc, give around 55 kms perlitre and have a top speed of 65 kph. All these bikes also have excellent, large, invisible, lockable dicky spaceunder the seat, except Bajaj Sunny Zip.

4. Scooters - Regular scooters such as Bajaj Classic SL and other models and Kinetic Hondas Kiho and Marvel models. All these scooters have two stroke engines. While Bajjaj and LML models have gears and engines of 150 cc, Kinetic Honda of both models have automatic transmission (no gears at all) and a 100 cc engine. All these scooters can do speeds up to 80 kph and are equally suitable for city traffic and long rides. Fuel average is in the 40-45 kms per litre range and prices vary from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000.

5. Regular Motorcycles - Such as the 100 cc Indo Japanese two strokers like the Bajaj KB, TVS Shaolin, and Shogun and other models, Yamaha RX models and Escorts Rajdoot (175-cc) model. There are also regular 100 cc Indo Japanese four-stroke models such as Hero Hondas, Splendour and other models, Bajaj’s 4S /Champion and Caliber models and the Enfield BULLET (350cc-500 cc). All these have large wheels and foot operated gears. Prices vary from about 35,000 - upwards of 75,000.

6. Enfields Diesel Bullet - Which is the only diesel powered bike made in India (other than backyard assemblers). Costing in the region of Rs. 65,000, this is the most reliable and rugged bike made in India. It is also the cheapest to run, giving at least 66 kms per litre of diesel, no matter how hard you ride it. It has a top speed of 80 kph and has the brightest headlight (55 watts) headlight among all two wheelers in India. Suspension is hard, and it needs a tough man to ride it.

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Other Related Factors

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

The biggest advantage in a scooter is the presence of a spare wheel. The second advantage is the availability of lockable dicky space. In some scooters there are two lockable dickies, one on the left side of the rear wheel and another between the seat and handle. The new generation of small scooters have a large space under the seat and since the seat is lockable, the dicky is automatically locked.

There is also a disadvantage in the small-wheeled scooters over large wheeled motorcycles. The scooter is less stable due to its small wheels and is not as stable as a large-wheeled motorbike on potholed roads. Also, the majority of scooters sold in India have engines on one side, which makes for unsafe braking.

Apart from the above personal and vehicle factors, service and spares is another very factor to consider. This covers the strength of the dealership network and spare parts prices of a particular brand in your town. In order to gauge the availability of the spare parts, it will be wise to ask a few people regarding the availability and pricing of spare parts of that model.

The only point left out now is the money aspect, about which only you can decide. However, with the plethora of bank schemes available, even that is not a major barrier. Each and every vehicle is available on instalment plan. You do not even have to go the finance company, your dealer will do that for you. Sign on the dotted line and the vehicle is yours.

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

comfort

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Comfort

The next important thing to think of next to safety is comfort. The four most important factors contributing to comfort are:

• Seat - shape, width and cushioning
• Suspension - hard or soft
• Seating geometry - handlebar width, handlebar to seat distance
• Seat to footrest distance

In these respects, a motorcycle designer is faced with conflicting demands. If the seat is too wide, your feet will not reach the ground, which makes it unsafe while if it is too narrow, it is uncomfortable. If the cushioning is too much, it will raise the seat height due to which the center of gravity of the bike will rise and make it unsafe. If the handlebar is too wide, you will have to sit in a crouched posture, which may cause pain in the spine, while if it is too narrow, handling will suffer. If the handlebar is too far from the seat, you will have to lean again causing pain in the neck and back; if it is too near it will foul with your knee while making sharp turns. If the footrest is too near, you will have to sit crouched; if it is too far, it may touch the ground on curves, causing an accident.

The conclusion therefore is that as far as safety and comfort are concerned, you make your choice based on the physical dimension of your own body such as height, weight, eyesight, hearing and reflexes.

Gender also matters apart from body dimensions. Dresses like saris and lungis make it impossible for wearers to sit cross-legged on a two-wheeler. For such kind of attire, a scooter or a moped/motorcycle with a step-through frame is necessary. The step-through gap in a scooter is also useful for carrying luggage, especially in scooters which don’t have a foot brake but whose both brakes are operated by hand like in a bicycle. This leaves the entire floor space between the seat and the handlebar empty for carrying any kind of luggage you wish to.

Before you buy | Comfort | Other Factors
Classification | 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Before You Buy a Two Wheeler

Before you buy Comfort Other Factors
Classification 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Before You Buy a Two Wheeler

There are mostly two reasons of buying a two-wheeler - need and desire. This article focuses on need based buying, which is rational and logical. There is no such thing as a perfect bike, or the best bike in the world. Every mechanical device such as a two-wheeler is intended for a specific application, and this has to be defined by you.

The first step is to define your need. From the practical point of view most people look for a workhorse that can take them to work everyday, run errands, do odd jobs, not cost too much, nor guzzle up too much petrol, be easy to put on stand and get off stand, be fairly reliable, and easily repairable with easy availability of spare parts.

Your budgetary constraints are also an important decider on the kind of bike you’ll eventually buy. Apart from budget, the two most important factors in a bike are safety and comfort.

›› Safety

Important aspects of safety comprise braking, roadholding, balance, powerful headlights, loud horns, bright blinkers, tail-light and brake-light.

Instantaneous locking of the wheels upon applying brakes is not good braking, and can result in a nasty fall especially on a wet road. The brakes must act gradually rather than instantly.
Roadholding and balance depend on quality of suspension, seating geometry and height of center-of-gravity of the bike; the quality and state of wheel and rear swing-arm bearings, but most importantly on the quality and state of the tyres. If the bike continues arrow-straight at about 40 kms without wavering, wobbling or pulling to one side, then roadholding and balance of the bike are good.

The next important requirement is headlights, to which there are two aspects, beam power and beam quality. The beam power of most bikes is inadequate and the beam quality of most is downright pathetic. However, as far as the currently available models go, take the bike on a straight road at night. At low beam you should be able to see clearly up to ten times the braking distance of the bike and twice that distance at high beam. Also, you should be able to see clearly the side of the road on both sides.

Before you buy Comfort Other Factors
Classification 4 Stroke Two-wheelers

Home ›› Two Wheelers ›› Saftey Tips

Motor Vehicle Safety Do's & Don'ts of driving Essentials for an emergency Anti-theft tips Respect other Drivers Tips for night driving Safety Tips Carrying passengers - Only experienced riders should carry passengers. Follow the guidelines below for a trouble-free ride. Carrying loads - Small loads can be carried on a two-wheeler if you position it properly... Choosing Eye protection - All two-wheeler riders need protection from wind, dust, dirt, rain, insects and debris... Brake properly - Two-wheeled vehicles have two brakes - the front is operated by the right hand, the rear by the right foot... In heavy traffic - Negotiating your bike in heavy traffic is a job that can be done with aplomb if you care to follow a few details... Position yourself - In order to control your bike properly, your body must be in the right position... Safety Tips (1) - Riding a two-wheeler is fun. It is also risky. A few tips to help you drive safely... Safety Tips (2) - The points you should keep in mind before going out on your bike...

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History

History

The Britannica Encyclopaedia describes a motorcycle as a bicycle or tricycle propelled by an internal-combustion engine (or, less often, by an electric engine).

The motors on minibikes, scooters, and mopeds, or motorized velocipedes, are usually air-cooled and range from 25 to 250 cubic cm (1.5 to 15 cubic inches) in displacement; the multiple-cylinder motorcycles have displacements of more than 1,300 cubic cm.

The automobile was the reply to the 19th-century dream of self-propelling the horse-drawn carriage. Similarly, the invention of the motorcycle created the self-propelled bicycle. The first commercial design was a three-wheeler built by Edward Butler in Great Britain in 1884. This employed a horizontal single-cylinder gasoline engine mounted between two steerable front wheels and connected by a drive chain to the rear wheel.

The 1900s saw the conversion of many bicycles, or pedal cycles by adding small, centrally mounted spark ignition engines. There was then felt the need for reliable constructions. This led to road trial tests and competition between manufacturers. Tourist Trophy (TT) races were held on the Isle of Man in 1907 as reliability or endurance races. Such were the proving ground for many new ideas from early two-stroke-cycle designs to supercharged, multivalve engines mounted on aerodynamic, carbon-fibre reinforced bodywork.

Invention of Two Wheelers

The invention of the first two-wheeler is a much-debated issue. "Who invented the first motorcycle?" may seem like a simple question, but the answer is quite complicated.

Two-wheelers owe their descent to the "safety" bicycle, i.e., bicycles with front and rear wheels of the same size, with a pedal crank mechanism to drive the rear wheel. Those bicycles, in turn descended from high-wheel bicycles. The high-wheelers descended from an early type of pushbike, without pedals, propelled by the rider's feet pushing against the ground. These appeared around 1800, used iron-banded wagon wheels, and were called "bone-crushers," both for their jarring ride, and their tendency to toss their riders.

Gottlieb Daimler (who later teamed up with Karl Benz to form the Daimler-Benz Corporation) is credited with building the first motorcycle in 1885, one wheel in the front and one in the back, although it had a smaller spring-loaded outrigger wheel on each side. It was constructed mostly of wood, the wheels were of the iron-banded wooden-spoked wagon-type, it definitely had a "bone-crusher" chassis!

This two-wheeler was powered by a single-cylinder Otto-cycle engine, and may have had a spray-type carburetor. (Wilhelm Maybach, Daimler's assistant, was working on the invention of the spray carburetor at the time). If two wheels with steam propulsion can be called a motorcycle, then the first one may have been American.

One such machine was demonstrated at fairs and circuses in the eastern US in 1867. This was built by one Sylvester Howard Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts. There is an existing example of a Roper machine, dated 1869. A charcoal-fired two-cylinder engine, whose connecting rods directly drive a crank on the rear wheel, powers it. This machine predates the invention of the safety bicycle by many years, so its chassis is also based on the "bone-crusher" bike.

Two Wheeler Components

Two Wheeler Components

Clutch and Throttle - The clutch and throttle, which controls engine speed, are operated by twist-type controls on the handgrips. A lever near the handgrip controls the front-wheel brake; a foot pedal engages the rear-wheel brake. Except on very small machines, the front brake is usually of the hydraulic disc type. The rear brake may be disc or drum. An electric push-button starter has mostly replaced the kick-starter.

Springs - These absorb the jolts caused by the irregularities of the road surface or other obstacles that are encountered while on the roads.

›› Kinds of springs

(1) parallelogram suspension, which is a somewhat clumsy system because the whole mass of the front wheel and fork participates in the oscillation

(2) telescopic front forks in combination with short swinging arm, in which arrangement the oscillating mass is reduced

(3) telescopic front forks in combination with long swinging arm : more resilient than the foregoing, but involving great oscillating mass (the same principle is applied to the rear wheel suspension). The telescopic suspension system used in types (2) and (3) has the advantage that it can undergo considerable compression in conjunction with only small oscillating masses. By these or similar means it is possible to achieve very efficient suspension conditions, so that the saddle springing can be dispensed with on modern motor cycles.

(4) A foam-rubber seating cushion is usually sufficient, especially on racing machines. Spring elements in combination with oil- filled cylinders provide the necessary shock-absorbing function.

Engines - Two-stroke and four-stroke engines are used as power units for two-wheelers. The power is transmitted to the rear wheel through the gearbox and thence through sprockets and chains or through a drive shaft. Transmission is through a shaft , the shaft being neatly accommodated in the swinging arm of the rear suspension. Motor cycles and mopeds have wire-spoke wheels, whereas scooters generally have solid wheels like those of a car.

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Two Wheeler Components

Two Wheeler Components

Motorcycles - Motorcycles are produced with both two-stroke- and four-stroke-cycle engines and have up to four cylinders. Most of them are air-cooled, though a few are water-cooled. Their engines are generally limited to 1,200-cubic-centimetre (73-cubic-inch) displacements.

Mopeds - The smallest designs are termed mopeds (from motor pedal), and have very small (50 cubic centimeters) engines offering 100-miles-per-gallon fuel economy. Such units are not permitted on limited-access public roads because of their low speed capability.

Types of motorcycles - Motorcycles are classified into four types in order of increasing power capacity and engine displacements. They are - trail bikes, road bikes, touring bikes, and racing bikes. The highest performance levels in racing are attained by "superbikes" with up to 160 horsepower produced for vehicles weighing approximately 500 pounds.

Frame - The motorcycle frame is often of steel, which is usually a combination of tubes and sheets. The wheels are generally aluminum or steel rims with spokes, although some cast wheels are used. Graphite and magnesium parts are increasingly in use because of high strength-to-weight characteristics.

Tyres - The tyres that are used are similar to those used on automobiles but are smaller and rounded to permit leaning to lower the center of gravity in a turn without losing traction. Front-wheel suspension is provided by coil springs on a telescopic fork; rear-wheel springs are often mounted on shock absorbers similar to those used in automobiles.

Transmissions - Transmissions on motorcycles typically have four to six speeds, although small bikes may have as few as two. Power is normally transmitted to the rear-wheel sprockets by a chain, though occasionally belts or shafts are used.

Clutch, Springs & Engines >>

Exports -Statistics

| Production || Sales || Exports | TWO WHEELERS EXPORTS TREND Category 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Scooters 28332 32566 53687 60699 83873 Motorcycles 56880 123725 187287 277123 386202 Mopeds 18971 23391 24078 28585 43181 Grand Total 104183 179682 265052 366407 513256 | Production || Sales || Exports |

Sales- Statistics

| Production || Sales || Exports |

TWO WHEELERS DOMESTIC SALES TREND Category 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Scooters 908268 825648 886295 922428 908159 Motorcycles 2887194 3647493 4170445 4964753 5815417 Mopeds 408263 338985 307509 322584 332741 Grand Total 4203725 4812126 5364249 6209765 7056317 | Production || Sales || Exports |

Production-Statistics

| Production || Sales || Exports | TWO WHEELERS PRODUCTION TREND Category 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 Scooters 937506 848434 935279 987498 1020013 Motorcycles 2906323 3876175 4355168 5193894 6201214 Mopeds 427498 351612 332294 348437 379574 Grand Total 4271327 5076221 5622741 6529829 7600801 | Production || Sales || Exports |

About Third Party Insurance

The basic types of auto insurance coverage include:
Third Party Insurance
Comprehensive Insurance

About Third Party Insurance
Third Party Insurance covers:

a) Personal Injury
b) Property damage

Third Party Insurance cover for Personal Injury includes:
Liability for death or injury to third parties - this means that you are insured against death or injury (caused by your vehicle) to pedestrians, occupant of other vehicles, and outsiders other than passengers, for unlimited amounts. Passengers of private vehicles and pillion riders are also deemed covered.
Liability to employees connected with operation of the vehicle - this means you are insured against death or injury (caused by your vehicle) to the vehicle's drivers, cleaners, conductors, coolies etc. , employees used in the operation of the vehicle.
Liability to passengers carried in the vehicle for hire or reward - this means that as an owner of a taxi, bus or auto - rickshaw, you are insured against death or injury (caused by your vehicle) to the passengers

Filing an auto insurance claim

Two Wheeler Insurance> Basics of Insurance> ComprehensiveInsurance> Filing YourClaims> Third PartyInsurance
There is danger at every corner when it comes to Indian roads. Automobile insurance plays an important role in protecting consumers from serious financial losses that result from accidents.

Filing an auto insurance claim
At the scene
a) Stop and get help for the injured.
b) Call the police and notify the nearest medical unit.
c) Provide the Police with the information they require.
d) Take steps to protect your car from further damage. Your Insurance Company will probably want to have someone inspect it and appraise the damage before you order the repair work done.
e) Record the details of the accident.

Filing your claim
1. Phone your insurance agent. Do it as soon as possible even if you are far off from home and even if someone else caused the accident.
2. Ask your agent on how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Your company may require a "proof of loss" form, as well as documents relating to your claim, such as medical and auto repair bills and a copy of the police report. Supply the information your insurer needs.
3. Keep records of your expenses. Expenses you incur as a result of an automobile accident may be reimbursed under your policy.
4. Keep copies of your paperwork. You may need to refer to it later.

About Comprehensive Insurance Cover

Two Wheeler Insurance> Basics of Insurance> ComprehensiveInsurance> Filing YourClaims> Third PartyInsurance

About Comprehensive Insurance Cover
This type of insurance covers all the risks covered in the Motor Vehicles Act (as above), plus loss or damage caused to the vehicle due to:
Accident
Fire, Explosion, self-ignition, lightning
Burglary, house-breaking, theft
Riots & strikes
Earthquakes
Flood, typhoon, hurricane, storm, cyclones
Malicious acts
Terrorism
Transit by rail/road. air, waterways
Also included is the towing charge (up to Rs.1, 500/- for private vehicles and Rs.2, 500/- for commercial vehicles) incurred due to accident to the vehicle.

Exclusions to the Comprehensive Insurance Cover

This insurance does not cover loss or damage caused due to:
(a) Driver being under intoxication
(b) Vehicle being driven by a person not holding an effective, valid licence.

It also does not cover:
(a) Damage to tyres (unless the vehicle is also damaged).
(b) Wear & tear, mechanical breakdown.

Calculation in the case of Comprehensive Insurance Cover?
In the case of Comprehensive Insurance Cover, for the purpose of premium, vehicles are categorized as follows:

PRIVATE CAR:
This is used for personal purposes. The premium is computed on the following basis:
Geographical area of use and cubic capacity
Value of the vehicle. Accessories are to be specified separately under electrical and non-electrical items.
TWO-WHEELER:
This is used for personal purposes only. Premium is calculated on cubic capacity and value of vehicle. Accessories are to be specified. Theft of accessories is not covered, unless the vehicle is stolen at the same time.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE:
This is a vehicle used for hire and is classified into:
Goods-carrying commercial vehicle: In this case premium is calculated on carrying capacity -gross vehicle weight and value of the vehicle. Accessories extra, as specified.
Passenger-carrying commercial vehicle: In this case premium is calculated on carrying capacity of the vehicle -Number of passengers and value of the vehicle. Accessories extra, as specified.
Note: all commercial vehicles are subject to compulsory excess in each and every claim for damage.

Basics of insurance

Two Wheeler Insurance> Basics of Insurance> ComprehensiveInsurance> Filing YourClaims> Third PartyInsurance




What is insured ?
Any light motor vehicle used for social, domestic and pleasure purposes and for the insurer's business.

Insured against what risks?
1(a). Loss or damage by accident, fire, lightning, self ignition, external explosion, burglary, housebreaking or theft, malicious act. 1(b). Riot and strike; terrorism; earthquake; flood, cyclone and inundation 1(c). whilst in transit by rail, road, air, elevator, lift. Perils under 1(b) can be deleted and a discount in premium availed. 2. Liability for third party injury/death, third party property and liability to paid driver. 3. On payment of appropriate additional premium, loss/damage to electrical/electronic accessories, PA cover for drivers, insured or any named person, unnamed passengers can also be taken. 4. Certain discounts in premia are also available.

Who can insure?
Individuals and corporate owners of the private cars and the financier of the car having insurable interest in it.

What will policy pay and how much?
Own Damage
Actual amount spent for repairs/replacement subject to depreciation and sum insured as per survey report.
Garaging and towing charges - up to Rs 1000/-
Damage to tyres (when vehicle is also damaged) - 50 % of cost of replacement
In case of total loss, market value at the time of loss or sum insured whichever is less.
Act Liability
Death or bodily injury to third parties - Unlimited
Death or bodily injury to any person carried in the car provided they are not insured employees and not carried for hire or reward - Unlimited
Liability to paid driver - As per W. C. Act
Third party property damage - up to Rs 6000/-
All costs and expenses incurred with company's written consent
f) In case of death of the Insured/any person entitled to indemnity for a liability incurred under this Policy,his personal representative will be indemnified ,as in the case of insured,if he observes all conditions as the insured himself.

When will policy not pay?
Consequential loss; depreciation; wear and tear; mechanical and electrical breakdown; failure or breakage.
When vehicle is used outside the geographical area; when used contrary to limitation as to use; driven by a person other than the driver stated in driver's clause
War perils, nuclear perils and drunken driving